Kilgore College President Dr. Bill Holda is proud to announce that KC students Kenneth and Brittany Knowles have been named Coca-Cola Gold Scholars.

The Knowles, who are married, were selected based on scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, of which more than 1,800 applications were received.

Kenneth, originally from Greeley, Colo., is a mechanical engineering major and his wife, Brittany, is an advertising/graphic design major from Longview.

“Kilgore College is exceptionally proud of them,” Holda said. “This award is given to only 50 students out of 1,800 applicants. For our students to receive two of these awards is a great tribute to both Kenneth and Brittany and to the Phi Theta Kappa sponsors at KC. We congratulate our scholars and our PTK chapter and wish them the best.”

Kenneth and Brittany were honored March 26 at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin at the All-State Academic Team Recognition ceremony. They were accompanied by Dr. Gerald Stanglin, vice president of instruction, who represented KC’s administration.

Kenneth and Brittany will each receive a $1,500 scholarship and will also be honored April 4-6 in San Jose, Calif.

Events in San Jose include the two students being recognized at the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars’ annual convention, at a special reception for Phi Theta Kappa Scholars and at the Fourth General Session of the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention.

Throughout the spring, 37 states host All-State Academic Team Recognition ceremonies where Coca-Cola Gold Scholars are recognized.

Funding for the scholarship is provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the program is sponsored by Coca-Cola and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

After KC, they both plan to attend Southern Methodist University to pursue bachelor’s degrees.